New panel examines the future of CCISD

CORPUS CHRISTI - A committee with the potential to reshape the Corpus Christi Independent School District's future met for the first time Friday.

The trustee-selected, 41-member Citizens' Advisory Committee had its first meeting, discussing the possibility of a bond election and other district options to address demographic shifts and facility needs.

Superintendent Scott Elliff said the meeting amounted to an orientation for the group, made up of mostly community and business leaders. He and other administrators presented district demographics, as well as possible bond options. Board of Trustees President Bill Clark stressed that every option is on the table.

"We don't have a preconceived notion as far as a bond," he told the committee. "That's kind of what we want to hear back from you about."

Clark said he wants the committee -- which will meet for the next several months -- to give the board an idea of what path the district should take to possibly upgrade older facilities and address population shifts.

In the past several months board members and administrators have discussed possible $70 million, $95 million, $116 million and $166 million bond packages.

Taxpayers would not see an increase in the district's tax rate with the first three package options.

But without a bond, the district's debt-service portion of the tax rate would decrease from 11.6 cents to 7.6 cents. With the $166 million package, the debt service tax would increase to 14.4 cents as soon as next year. The board has not decided when a possible bond election would take place -- but such elections only can take place in November and May.

Some committee members said the board needs to work on a campaign to inform the public.

Others said the board seriously should consider redrawing school attendance boundaries before a bond election.

The district, however, first wants committee members to discuss options with others in the community.

"I feel like I'll be able to offer some background, as far as public policy and financial prudence," said committee member and former Regional Transportation Authority chairman Roland Barrera. "Education is important for the progress of our community, and I want to be involved."

Administrators have discussed infrastructure issues ranging from the need for ceiling tile and restroom repair, to replacement of roofs and air-conditioning system repair. Twenty-two campuses are more than 50 years old and in need of such repairs, administrators say.

The committee next meets April 25. Clark said the board would like to see recommendations from the group by the end of summer.

Citizens Committee

The CCISD Board of Trustees-selected Citizens Advisory Committee Members